Our Toddler Friendly Sewing Basket

Create a simple sewing basket for your toddler or preschooler to explore.

Given that I am regularly playing around with fabric and all manner of notions, Immy is always one step behind me raiding the drawers in my study for things to ‘make’ with. I have read about creating toddler ‘sewing’ baskets on a number of blogs and decided it was time to make Immy her own collection.

The threading game is based on a Montessori activity which I have seen around the blogosphere and utilises a Parmesan jar for storage and to hold the pipe cleaners upright whilst the child is threading onto them. It was also the first thing in the basket that Immy chose to explore.

Our ‘sewing’ utilises a non-slip drawer liner (another tip I picked up from an older post over at Filth Wizardry), plastic needle and wool. The drawer liner features large holes which make threading the needle through nice and easy for a two and a half year old. It is a good way for Immy to learn to pull the needle and thread all of the way through each time.
I have plans to extend the basket over time, adding;

A collection of large buttons

Chunky knitting needles

Sewing cards

Shoelaces for another threading experience with the cotton reels

Some knitted pieces and more crocheted samples

More sewing experiences, eventually moving onto using a metal bodkin and open weave cross stitch fabric

For more adventures into sewing with toddlers and preschoolers, visit these posts;

Christie Burnett is an early childhood teacher, presenter, writer and the editor of Childhood 101. More importantly, she is a Mum who believes wholeheartedly in the value of children learning through play, the importance of quality early education, and the togetherness of family.

lovely. Immy is a lucky girl. My kids love tape measures too. partly for the fun of actually measuring anything and everything and partly (well mainly) for the fun of pushing that button and experiencing it zipping back into itself

How cool! I remember sitting on the back of my mom's chair while she would sew when I was a preschooler. She says I would tell her, "I'm boring." (I'm bored) Too bad she didn't have a cool sewing basket for me!

WOW! What a fantastic sewing basket! Just a couple of days ago I was trying to work out how Roman could 'join in' while I'm sewing... I LOVE the draw liner idea! It should hold up to a fair bit of wear and tear I imagine. Thanks for sharing.

There is so much to say about this! I learned to use these tools at an early age, but I think I've been denying my daughter the opportunity, so much gets put to the side when you work full time doesn't it? This is exactly what I need, thank you for pointing me too it!! :)

My little son always wonders WHAT Mama is doing with all those pointy sharp things and threads and busy machines that make happy noises... he wants to be a part too! What a glorious idea!! I'm going to get together some things NOW, and some more later.... LOVE the parmesan container/threader idea for holding the bits upright. GREAT concept. Going to poke holes in the top of something NOw for a similar thing....

Awesome idea! We have some of that blue liner from the bath tub mat we used to lean on when giving the boys baths wen they were babies.I'm going to try to make this for my little one to practice his hand at sewing...the plastic needle is a great idea, too.Thanks so much for sharing.:) Colleen

The plastic needles and wooden spools can be found on line at http://www.orientaltrading.com just search "craft needles" and "wooden spools" You can also find them at Hobby Lobby or most of your local craft or sewing material stores.
I have sewing activities in my pre-k classroom but other than lacing cards, I have not used them in my toddler classroom. Your basket is full of wonderful "Toddler Friendly" activities.
Plastic canvas and weaving hoops are two favorites in my pre-k classroom
Linda

We actually did this (the sewing on the shelf liner) when Bear was 30 months.
http://theadventuresofbear.blogspot.com/2010/03/preschool-sewing.html
I loved how you progressed to the sewing of buttons onto embroidery cloth, so I'm off to the store to equip Bear for this project. She'll love it. Thanks!

I came by your site via another blog that linked to you about the sewing baskets. I put together two of baskets today for birthday presents...took a little more of a "crafting" spin, but LOVED the inspirational idea! Thanks!
http://alwayscomehome.blogspot.com/2011/03/sewing-basket-for-little-hands.html

I have just bought the supplies and am excited to try it when they all arrive with my twin boys, 2 years 3 months. A bit ambitious probably but i'm game ! I cannguarantee one will lose interest and be off with the toys and trucks but hoe the other will persevere a while. Or they may surprise me like they do every day!

I love this! Your picture of this basket has been on one of my Pinterest boards for weeks. In fact, Pinterest was how I found you. Last night, I finally decided to put my own basket together for my three year old. I just finished a post about it on my blog. I linked to your post and I quoted you. I gave you credit for everything and it's a really positive post, so I hope that this is OK, but please let me know if it is not.

I am an absolute needle and thread person. Want my son to get into it the moment he starts showing inclination and ability to handle it...This post is worth a revisit. Love the plastic needle & spools....I should've valued some of the stuff I had :)!

Just another thanks for such a great idea. I have picked up all the bits at our local $2 shop (draw liner) or ebay (needles, buttons, crochet hoops) and am so excited to try it with my 2 year olds.it's perfect for this age i reckon as you can change and mix up the activity as they lose attention, every 5 mins, by pulling out something new to sew with. Im feeling optimistic! Thanks again for the inspiration!

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[…] Our Toddler Friendly Sewing Basket from Childhood 101 Given that I am regularly playing around with fabric and all manner of notions, Immy is always one step behind me raiding the drawers in my study for things to ‘make’ with. I have read about creating toddler ‘sewing’ baskets on a number of blogs and decided it was time to make Immy her own collection. – See more at: https://childhood101.com/2010/09/our-toddler-friendly-sewing-basket/#sthash.1DqOh725.dpuf […]